Published May 5, 2004 12:00AM
|
Week of November 9-16, 1995
Swiss vacations for serious hardbodies Pitcairn, the Pacific’s most remote island Eco-tours of the Galapagos Tahiti bareboat sailing Bicycle touring in Costa Rica Best bets for Midwest backpacking Eco-tours of the Galapagos Q: I’m looking for tours of the Galapagos. Do you post your eco-tour advertisers online? Nevin Cohen cohen@aesop.rutgers.edu A: You’re in luck! Here is a closer look at three companies that run multiday group tours to the Galapagos. The trips we looked at have, for obvious reasons, a strong focus on natural history, as well as opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Galapagos Travel runs an 11-day cruise trip aboard an 80-foot motor yacht, complete with photographic instruction, evening lectures on the Galapagos’ unique geology and wildlife, and two trips daily to the various islands. Expect to pay about $2,650 per person, including all meals and accommodations–airfare to Quito is extra. Sign on with Overseas Adventure Travel’s 12-day Galapagos Explorer, and you’ll spend two days exploring mainland Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park and Quito’s traditional Indian markets before heading out on their small yacht for seven days of cruising the islands. You’ll enjoy spectacular snorkeling along black lava shorelines and rocky grottos–amongst hordes of friendly fur seals, penguins, and tropical fish. OAT’s trip will run you anywhere from $3,190 to $3,490 per person, including most meals, accommodations, and round-trip airfare from Miami to Quito. Or, if you want to explore the Galapagos by other modes of transportation, opt for Mountain Travel-Sobek’s 12-day trip aboard one of their yachts; you’ll sail from island to island, stopping along the way for paddling, hiking, and horseback riding excursions. Cost per person starts at $3,390, excluding international airfare. For more detailed trip information and departure dates, contact Galapagos Travel, 800-969-9014; Overseas Adventure Travel, 800-221-0814; or Mountain Travel-Sobek, 800-227-2384. |